Elafonissi Beach

Elafonissi Beach

Elafonissi Beach
4.5
About
Located on the southwest coast of Crete, this remote beach is best known for its pink sand. However, temper your expectations as the amount of pink on display varies with conditions and the season. Regardless, the crystal clear waters make this a popular summer vacation spot, attracting sunbathers and watersport enthusiasts alike. Also, hike up to the neighboring cedar tree reserves for a change of scenery. Visit in the morning to beat traffic and secure a chair and umbrella before the crowds arrive. Or come in the evening for a stunning sunset when most people have left. – Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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  • MSB_0000
    Solihull, United Kingdom27 contributions
    A long drive… but worth it
    My fiancé and I drove around 2 hours to visit this beach and although busy it really was fantastic. We paid €10 euros for sun beds and spent most of our time exploring the island, swimming in the delightfully warm and shallow sea and sunbathing in the 40 degrees heat. I’d recommend arriving early and expect crowds particularly in the holiday season.
    Visited August 2021
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 4, 2021
  • D D
    93 contributions
    Amazing beach
    What an amazing beach! We arrived early before the coaches and there was a wide choice of sunbeds and umbrellas (10 Euros for 2 sunbeds with umbrella). The beach itself is fantastic. Sea all around is so shallow and crystal clear, it was beautiful. We spent a wonderful 6 hours on the beach and could have stayed longer. The toilets were clean (50 cents) and there was a changing cubicle. The bar restaurant (take away only) is expensive, so luckily we brought our own food (stopped in a bakery in a mountain village on the way). There are obviously lots of people as it's one of the top beaches in the world, but the beach and sea are extensive and so it didn't feel crowded. Would definitely return.
    Visited August 2020
    Written August 31, 2020
  • Erika’s Corner
    2 contributions
    Lovely day in the beach🌞
    First, we got on a bus at the Chania Bus Station at 9am. The tickets were 20€ round trip. The bus was comfortable but you can’t eat in the bus so you have to plan ahead because it is a 2 hour trip. About half way down the road, the road becomes very narrow and with a lot of turns. If you get carsick easily you should take something beforehand. After 2 hours you finally arrive at 11am at the beach. In the beach you can rent 2 sunbeds and an umbrella for 15€. We were able to get 2 umbrellas before all of the people arrived. The sand isn’t really that pink anymore but it is still an amazing beach. It has beautiful water and landscape. We loved it. I went in May and it was very windy and the water was relatively cold. Only a couple of people were completely swimming because it was so cold. You should check with a local about the wind. Eventually throughout the day, the wind calmed down and it was lovely weather. The temperature was nice, it was 22C and my friends and I were able to tan nicely and get in the water just at knees high. We have a lovely day. We would definitely go back but maybe when it is hotter so the water can be warmer. I would recommend this beach even in May. :) There is only one restaurant in the area and it sells Sandwiches, Pizza, Gyros, Ice cream and drinks. There is also a bathroom available for 1€ which was really clean. There is also place for you to change. Our drive back was shorter, about 1 hour and a half.
    Visited May 2022
    Traveled with friends
    Written May 6, 2022
  • Nury
    Genoa, Italy46 contributions
    Beautiful colors
    As the picture this beach has a variety of wonderful colors from light green to turquoise and dark blue. The only problems we had it was windy, therefore it was a kind of chilly getting out of the water. And secondly we went with an excursion group and there were not enough time to spend in the beach since at the very beginning we stopped like 45 minutes in a restaurant to eat breakfast... Too much time !!!
    Visited September 2019
    Traveled as a couple
    Written January 7, 2020
  • Ktemilara
    United Kingdom89 contributions
    Beautiful view, lovely to wade through- quite shallow waters. Didn’t see much pink sand
    Lovely beach & experience. Driving there can be tricky as very narrow, snake-like roads & driving down the mountains. I recommend taking the local bus €20 return, leaves 9am from Xania town arriving the beach @ 11am, leaves the beach @4pm. Really enjoyed wading in the water Disappointed didn’t see much pink sand just a little shimmer
    Visited August 2021
    Traveled as a couple
    Written August 14, 2021
  • Hans E
    4 contributions
    Top beach
    There is a reason why this beach was voted as one of the most beautiful places in the world. The pink sand, the crystal clear waters are very special. It is recommended to visit very early in the morning or after 6 pm when most of the people are gone. Amazing sunset.
    Visited June 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written September 13, 2020
  • Natasa J
    Ljubljana, Slovenia87 contributions
    The most beautiful beach for me
    This beach is the most beautiful functional beach I’ve seen so far and I visited several places (Cuba, Corsica, Sardinia, Croatia, some other Greek islands etc.). It’s not only extremely beautiful with clean water of all shades of blue it’s also very convenient - easily reachable by car and it suits its main purpose - you can swim and snorkle and admire sea world. Even in windy weather there are no waives. You can get sunbeds and umbrella (10 euros per umbrella and don’t be too late as they can be sold out by midday) there are showers, toilettes, drinks, snacks-everything nicely integrated in nature. Whole family loved it and we visited the beach twice in one week although it took as about an hour and half in one direction. This year it is not crowdy due to coronavirus situation but I am affraid it could be overcrowded under normal circumstances at this time of the year.
    Visited July 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written July 16, 2020
  • TASAlonen
    Island of Malta, Malta15 contributions
    Snorkel in pink
    Went mid-October, water was a bit cool but it was still warm enough to swim and enjoy sunbathing. The sand is pink - in places, but perhaps best seen through a snorkel? Bright pink stripes of sand over the greyer base. Sand is fine otherwise an the beach fairly shallow all over, with patches of rocks good for snorkelling. The very shallow lagoon is beautiful and great for small kids. I can imagine it getting a bit too crowded during summer months, as it was, there were plenty of people but not overcrowded as such. It makes sense to walk further to the Elafonissi Island, for the views of the sand dunes and the plants there, and for more beach space. I find the price of 10 € per umbrella spot a bit steep, especially as I was by myself, and just flopped on the beach past the umbrella area, I did not walk as far as you can go to the protected area. Bring your own umbrella there if you want, no shade is otherwise available. Only thing maybe lacking was choice of food? I had a sandwich and a coffee, both fine, but there are not any choices of restaurants at the beach itself, perhaps further away from it there is more.
    Visited October 2021
    Written October 13, 2021
  • KayeEast
    United Kingdom16 contributions
    One of the most beautiful beaches you will see!!
    I LOVED Elafonisi. The drive is a bit crazy you will need to be a confident driver, but it is worth it in my opinion. People compare this to Balos beach - but both are complete paradise - I recommend seeing both! The drive to Elafonisi is a lot easier than Balos - if going with kids/elderly/disabled I would recommend this beach by far!! The water is crystal clear, plenty of places for pictures, places for food, toilet, beach floats/towels etc!! everything you need is here (unlike Balos beach) !! Really an amazing day and a must visit if you are in West Crete. We didn't see the pink sand but that did not change how amazing this beach is!
    Visited August 2020
    Written August 26, 2020
  • IOANA V
    London, United Kingdom3 contributions
    Stunning beach in Crete - my favourite ❤️
    A stunning beach with beautiful crystal clear shallow water, warm enough to swim or snorkeling. The sand is amazing, not as pink as you can see the advertised pictures but probably not the perfect time for the crushed seashells. We have visited it off season (1st June) but still crowded in the morning due to plenty coaches arrived by 11am. You may not be able to find any sunbeds available but will be better after 2pm when most of the coaches will depart. We drove from Georgioupolis (around 2h). Half of the way was on the E75/EO90 and before Kissamos we turned left on PEO90/PEO Kissamou Chanion, then turned right and stayed onto Epar.Od. Kaloudianon-Chrisoskalitissas (signs for Elafonisi/Paleochora/Topolia) , which is a small mountain road and you should drive carefully. Sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented (€15 for 2 sunbeds and umbrella for all day -> €5/sunbed). Plenty free parking spaces, toilet available on the beach (€0.50 tax), beach bars, cafeteria for something to eat not very far from the beach, showers and shop to buy beach accessories. Also, kayaks can be rented on the beach (€10/hour for single kayak and €20/hout for double kayak). A perfect beach to spend the day with family (suitable for small children as well)...a bit windy but nothing matters when you are in such an amazing place like this one. Recommended 100%.
    Visited June 2022
    Traveled with family
    Written June 3, 2022
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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Risto L
13 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Beach is nice and swimmable yes, but car parking area very far of the beach ,uphill walk over a 1km...
If you want to rent a sunbed, you must be there very early. 9am is too late, then all beds are sold out already...
And the amount of people..... 5000-7000 visitors every day and only 200 sunbeds...
Still we enjoyed our stay there for a day in extreme heat.
Written September 7, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

rich
Charlotte, NC7 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
One of the most amazing beaches I’ve ever seen in my life. It was hard to get to but totally worth it!!! Perfect water perfect sand. Thank you universe :)
Written September 6, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

meng
London, UK11 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
I will start with caveats don’t stop at first car park they r trying to get you drive on as there is another car park closer. It’s 10 min from there to beach b prepared to pay £20 for two deckchairs cash or card there are enough cafes for food and drink . Water is clear and sand is pink on edges check the weather as we went when windy but it is lovely and shallow (doesn’t suit everyone but safer for younglings ) just walk out further
Written September 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Seaside08
Birmingham, UK5 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Beautiful beach but not easily accessible, from car park there is a downhill walk and the walk back up, not recommended for those with mobility issues
Written August 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Camilla S
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
The beach was okay. But if you are diable this is not the place 4 you. We showed them out handicap sign but was direktet on a pakedspace 1, 2km from the beach.
The walk to the beach was not handicapfreindly nore stroller friendly. The trip brokke our stroller.
Written August 30, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

CKD
Codsall, UK90 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
A lovely beach with some pink sand (dependant upon the season of your visit) and clear, turquoise waters (which are a very pleasant temperature due the heat the south of Crete experiences in the peak season). Due to the amount of tourists visiting, the beach will be busy however you will still, comfortably, find yourself a spot. If you want a more peaceful and tranquil experience, consider visiting the island which can be accessed by a short walk through the sea.
Written August 29, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Efthimios H
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
So magical beach it was fantastic!!The waters are green blue like Maldives of Europe.The best beach who ever seen!!Must visit
Written August 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sayam b
Side, Türkiye7 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Beautiful beach but lower your expectations about the “pinkness of the sand” very low depth of water so you cant actually swim there and parking costs 5 euros.
Written August 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

GlobalEleni
Chicago, IL8 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
I travel to Greece every year, and this beach is by far one of my favorite beaches in Greece. That was up until this summer. After an hour drive down there, the road was blocked off at a certain point and you had to park in their lots. It was only €5, but the walk absolutely sucked. Over 100° carrying all of your things, without any shade for 20 minutes. The walk out is even worse because it’s all uphill and some uneven rock areas. I’m very saddened by this because just the summer before in 2022 you could park right up to the beach area and just get out of your car and be at the beach. This completely ruined it for me. And let me tell you this beach is unbelievable.
Written August 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

steve
York, UK1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Family
Somewhere here there is a beautiful beach trying to escape. However, before you undertake a 3 hour car journey, pay 5€ to park your hire car and walk 15 minutes to the beach, this stretch of occasional pink sand is populated by thousands upon thousands of well meaning, sun seeking tourists. Make no mistake, this place is busy, very busy, bodies everywhere, for us a beach we could not remain on. So after staying for 10 minutes we preferred the 3 hour return journey.

That’s just us, perhaps we should have researched a little deeper before we picked this day trip. At least if you read this review you’ll know what to expect.
Written August 22, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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